The present obscurants used in the smoke are in the range of submicron to micron-size. Recent theoretical calculation suggests that the ideal obscurants will be conducting nanorods having diameter of 20 nm and length of 4 micron. Nano Interface Technology, Inc. (NITI) proposes to develop monodispersed metal-coated silica nanorods of above size using self-assembly technique. The core of silica nanorods will be developed by the self-assembly of lipids/phospholipids/surfactants. These lipids/phospholipids are obtained from biological system. The nanorods will be made conducting by the electroless coating of the metal. Using self-assembly technique, NITI has successfully synthesized core silica nanorods having diameter of 32nm and length in micron size and the preparation method can be reliably used for synthesizing larger quantities. The thin coating of metal will oxidize easily and the inner core of silica will be nontoxic. In the Phase I feasibility study, the company will synthesize various sizes of metal-coated nanorods (diameter = 20-40nm and length = 2-4 micron) and its physico-chemical properties will be characterized. The multi-spectral range of the smoke can be broadened by mixing nanorods having different aspect ratios and/or different types of metal coatings. We at NITI have worked out that the proposed obscurants will be highly economical because of its production via the self-assembly route. Father, owing to the use of the self-assembly route, the nanorods produced will be monodispersed with a yield as high as 95%. In the Phase II, the company will optimize the production process and nanorods will be produced in kilogram quantities. The packaging of nanorods in the tape form will be worked by an innovative approach as discussed in the proposal so as to enhance the efficient delivery of obscurants along with smoke. The proposed innovative self-assembly technique will significantly reduce the cost of obscurants and as predicted in the recent calculations, this technique will be most effective in threat reduction. Further, it will broaden the multi-spectral range, simplify storage, and transport. The potential benefits to the Army will be significant in saving life of force and reduction in the cost of smoke generation and dissemination. The other potential application of these nanorods will be as ultra-light, nano-structured ballistic materials.
